TOUCH footballer Zeke Hay has attained the highest accolade for a 15-year-old with selection in the All Australian Schools Merit Team.
The gifted Tomaree High School Year 9 student earned the honour after helping NSW All Schools lift the Under 15 Boys trophy at the recent School Sport Australia Touch Football Championships in Ballarat.
Hay, a classy middle, was a key player in the all-conquering Blues team that defeated Queensland 12-9 in the championship final, to remain undefeated throughout the national tournament.
He showed his skills set in the knockout fixtures and turned in superb performances in the 14-2 semi-final win over ACT and Grand Final triumph over the Maroons.
It proved a double celebration with Tomaree High School colleague Bowey Manning also helping the NSW All Schools Under 15 Girls team claim the national title.
Year 9 student Manning, a promising link, showcased her skills as the Blues edged out the Queensland Maroons 4-3 in the Grand Final to secure the championship title.
Earlier she was one of the best on ground as NSW trounced ACT 17-0 in a lopsided semi-final.
Both Zeke and Bowey are two outstanding prospects in the Nelson Bay Neptunes junior representative touch football squads with bright futures in the sport.
A talented goal kicking rugby league half back with the Nelson Bay Marlins club, Zeke is part of the Newcastle Knights Junior Development system and earmarked for Harold Matthews Cup Under 17 honours down the track.
By Chris KARAS
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